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ID4me is an internet service that enables its users to log in to many different internet services with one account. This is also known as "single sign on".

Unlike existing global single sign on solutions like the ones from Google or Facebook, ID4me does not track and analyze the internet surfing habits of its users. ID4me will make sure that the surfing habits stay secret.

Also, ID4me does not belong to an enterprise. It is an open standard that is maintained by a nonprofit organization. Anyone who wants to can participate. This way the users can chose freely between different ID4me providers and can also change the provider anytime.

How to unlock a smartphone when you forgot its pattern

We're only human, not elephants, and sometimes we forget things. Whether it be leaving your front door open, where you’ve left your car keys, or just simply what your pattern lock or PIN was on your Android device, it happens. Unfortunately, for the latter, it might mean that you’re locked out of your tablet or smartphone without being able to get access to anything, although through no fault of your own. Fortunately, there are several methods to bypass the lock screen and get back in.

Here's what to do when you've forgotten the lock screen pattern or PIN on your Android device. Just click a link to see more details about each method. Some will only work on newer versions of Android.

Our best suggestion: Android Device Manager (for Android 2.3 and up)

This is the simplest and best way to regain access to your device after you forget your PIN code. As long as you're logged into your Google Account on your phone, it will work for you.

Just get on your computer, log in to Android Device Manager, and select the device in question from the list of devices associated with your account. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, you then tap "Lock". Once you lock your phone with a new code, it overrides the original code that you had forgotten. Then, hey presto, you have access to your phone again!

Other alternatives for bypassing the lock screen

Smart lock (Android 5.0 and Up)

Newer versions of Android have tighter security than older ones, which could be unlocked with a Google account login. But they do have the Smart Lock feature, which lets you have the phone automatically unlock under certain conditions, such as when it connects to your home Wi-Fi network, for example. In this case, when you forget your pattern or PIN, just go back home to unlock your phone without it.

Use your Google account (Android 4.4 and below)

So, you’re locked out of your device and cannot remember your pattern unlock. What do you do? Thankfully, you don’t need to panic, since there is a pretty straightforward way to get into your device.

Attempt the pattern unlock five times (maybe you’ll get lucky and guess/remember it!).

After the fifth attempt, you’ll be locked out, but an option at the bottom of the screen will appear that says "Forgot Pattern". Click on it.

Sign into your Google Account.

Once authenticated with your Google Account, you’ll be able to choose a new PIN, pattern, lock, etc., and unlock your device.

Third party security options

Some smartphone manufacturers often bundle their own security software into a device, such as Find My Mobile by Samsung. Such features can be particularly useful for getting past the lock screen, but you will have to have set this up already.

If you did, just visit the corresponding website from another device or PC and unlock your phone from there.

The last resort: factory reset

The last resort is to conduct a factory reset. But watch out because this will erase all the data on your Android device, so only do this if you really have tried all of the above options.

The easiest method for doing this with a locked phone is by logging into the Android Device Manager online. From here you have the option to conduct a complete factory reset.

If you can't access Android Device Manager for some reason, or you're not signed into your Google Account on the locked device, then you must do a hardware reset, which means entering your device’s recovery mode manually.

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